I'm browsing through a somewhat controversial book "A Generous Orthodoxy" by Brian D. McLaren and it has some thought provoking ideas on stewardship. Anyone care to share their thoughts on these quotes?
"...A biblical stewardship that celebrates God's ultimate ownership could someday fuel a new grace-based economy - just as private ownersip currently fuels our greed based consumerist economy..." p. 271
and
"...whatever we "own" is really entrusted to us by God, borrowed and reverently used by us for a time, after which we must let go one way or another - either through giving and sharing or through dying and releasing our former possessions to others. Even the molecules that make up our bodies are on loan to us. One day we will give them all back, rendering an account of how we have used them through time - time also being a precious gift of which we have been made stewards." p. 271
I personally find much validity in the quotes and think if we could live this way our world would be different. My friends Jake and Jessica are a prime example of this type of sacrificial love.
11 comments:
I don't think we fully comprehend we are His. We tend to think He is lucky to have us!
Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart with a religious tee-shirt on. I almost changed it before going - my attitude was not the best yesterday and I wasn't sure I could be what the Tee-shirt said. I decided I had better be Christ-like the best I can. I hope I did that.
Indian Lake Papa
Hi Indian Lake Papa,
I've had many thoughts on ownership. People often times get caught up in the part that they worked X number of hours for whatever so it reall is theirs and they forget that God gave them the intelligence, strength and so much more to be able to work to earn money. We can never repay all that God has done for us, but we can make an attempt to give back out of love for HIM.
You know I've had similar thoughts about Christian bumper stickers and not wanting to be a bad advertisement if I did something wrong by mistake and irritated someone.
I'm sure you did the best you could while wearing your Christian t-shirt. From all your posts I've read you are a great example already! Thanks!
I've told my kids that they are commercials. We are commercials for Christians, home schoolers and so much more. Keep us in your prayers that we are good advertisements.
Robin
a) if only Robin. if only.
b) i like that you two are talking. it makes me giggle inside.
c) wow - great topic. i know of the book, actually very little though - other than it's on my list of books to read and the full title is exactly how i would personally define myself, "Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/calvinist, anabaptist/anglican, methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed-yet-hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian".
c) what a beautiful example of heaven on earth, for everything that we own to be truly God's. to be okay with nothing. to be okay with things be stolen from us, because it was never our to begin with. to feel so free in giving "stuff" away because it hold to "value" to us other than to be used in the economy of God's grace and desire for us to live in jubilee!
yeah - struggles on this end.
p.s. do you really want to know my thoughts on christian shirts, christian bumper stickers and the christian music industry?
yeah. it's probably best i keep those thoughts to myself. although i guess i just did the an thesis of that by writing this huh?
oh, do i need mercy in life.
Hey Jessica,
I know we've had the Christian music, bumper sticker, etc... discussion before. I struggle with it somewhat as well. But the one thing we know for sure is that we all will stand before God one day and be held accountable for our actions here. So if we made and sold Christian bumper stickers to make lots of money for ourselves we would have to put it before God just like it is, OR if we sold Christian bumper stickers and used the money to support orphans and widows and homeless, etc... which would God prefer? I think you and I have the same answer there...
Unfortunately for me I don't feel I do a very good job along those lines. We spend most of what we get on survival. I guess if we didn't live in this part of the country the cost of living would be less, but then my husband would be paid less too.
Pray for God's wisdom for me that I hear HIS voice clearly and follow HIM where ever HE leads.
Love ya Jessica!
Robin
Oh Jessica,
One other thing about music - I do love it, but I don't buy it :) Our friendly neighborhood library buys it for me :) I just love that about our public library they get a lot of Christian materials at my request :) woo hoo. I would like to read that book and must admit when I first started skimming it you popped into my mind. You are one terrific person - thanks for giving and loving the people God sends your way! You make HIM smile :) me too!
Hi Robin,
I live on a church camp. We have a "prayer cottage" that is open 24/7. I try to get to it each morning for my devotions for the start of the day. It has a CD player with various CD's available. I enjoy contemporary / traditional easy listening music. I want my heart touched not emotions. I have never sold or purchased a "religious tee". I struggle with wearing them. The one I wore the other day simply says on the back, in bright red letters, '"FOLLOW ME" JESUS"'. My big spiritual issue is I would rather lead and just have Jesus right behind me to keep me out of trouble! i have to admit that doesn't work so well.
Indian Lake Papa
me either papa. me either.
Indian Lake Papa,
I hear you and understand what you are saying... "The one I wore the other day simply says on the back, in bright red letters, '"FOLLOW ME" JESUS"'. My big spiritual issue is I would rather lead and just have Jesus right behind me to keep me out of trouble!"
If we are honest with ourselves and God I think many people will agree that we share the same struggle.
Robin
I think number one should be how we live, but I don't think we are going to change our over-all economy on this earth.
I totally agree with number 2.
My husband and I have been talking a lot about stewardship and God has been working a lot in me on the topic.
Hey Robin!
I was excited to see you reading McLaren when I stopped by your blog today. I've read most of his books and I thoroughly enjoy his outlook on things.
You might enjoy The Faith Club -- written by three women: A Jewish woman, a Muslim woman and a Christian woman. VERY interesting dialogue goes on in it. Reading Generous Orthodoxy might be preparing you to consider ideas and combinations that you might not would have otherwise. I, at least, enjoyed it.
Michelle
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